Letter Writer Reminds Community How Valuable GVFD Is, Urges Vote for Measure U
Welcome to our letters to the editor/opinion section. To submit yours for consideration, please send to [email protected]. Please consider including an image to be used–either a photograph of you or something applicable to the letter. However, an image is not necessary for publication.
Remember opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect that of Redheaded Blackbelt nor have we checked the letters for accuracy.
In the early morning hours of June 16, 2017 the Community Presbyterian Church of Garberville was set ablaze by a fire that started in an RV parked near the church.Our local volunteer firefighters from Garberville and Redway as well as Calfire and other volunteer departments responded to battle the growing fire.We lost our fellowship hall which housed the community Food Bank but through the coordinated efforts of these brave volunteers our sanctuary was saved suffering only moderate fire damage.Garberville Presbyterian Church on fire [Photo provided with letter]
This fire had the potential to spread to nearby structures which would have resulted in catastrophic damage to a major portion of our community.
Our volunteer fire departments are critical to the health and welfare our community. They respond night and day to provide a first response to medical, accident and fire incidents.
Anytime we have the opportunity to improve the resources of these departments, we as community members, should answer the call.
We now have that opportunity with a local measure on the ballot. I urge you to answer the call and support our community by passing measure U.
Clif Anderson, Elder
Community Presbyterian Church of Garberville
![Garberville Presbyterian Church on fire [Photo provided with letter]](https://kymkemp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/unnamed-35.jpg)
Join the discussion! For rules visit: https://kymkemp.com/commenting-rules
Comments system how-to: https://wpdiscuz.com/community/postid/10599/
The true unsung heroes around here. I always stop and give what i can for there fundraisers. Thank you for all you do.
I used 2 love garberville! 10 yrs ago! The best western should be outta business the way they price gouge!
Thank you Clif. My wife Janis and I found out about the fire adjoining our Garberville business right here on Redheaded Blackbelt.
Thank you Kym Kemp. You have been so good the the fire services. It’s beyond belief. Everyone on the north coast clicks on your website whenever there is a fire. You and KMUD radio are our only first source of quick reporting.
Fire services from all over the South Fork canyon came to help us put out the Church fire.
Blue lake sent their potable air bank, Fortuna sent their aerial Ladder truck to save our business if fire extended to the roof. Redway fire was there, Calfire was there. I’m missing many that helped put out on the fire. All Fire stations were put on “roll-up” notice through our Mutual Aid agreements. However my point being is that it takes good coordination and great effort to get ahead of a fire. Minutes count! Because of the great effort much of the church was saved and certainly Janis and my business was saved through the joint coordinated effort.
Measure U will get 75% of our fire tax money back from the County. We will have to pay an additional tax to extend the Garberville fire department in the the area that they cover as a “Good Will” effort.
The church is a good example of what can happen if there is a fire. It was June 16th, 2017 when the fire happened. Due to modern building codes and government bureaucracy they have still not been able to open their church for Sunday services.
What business or person could suffer those kind of loses, They had full insurance!
Whatever taxes that I have to pay to have an adequate fire service in Garberville and Benbow is certainly worth it.
Well said, Ernie. Several people I talked to said it was a miracle (and the quick work of firefighters) that the fire didn’t gut that block.
hy
Instead of CA pissing away money on things like the high-speed rail that never happened and, free needles and other things lets fund the fire departments around the state.
Well Said Clif thank you for you and your wife’s lifetime of helping and serving our community!